Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could rise 60.50 points at the opening bell.

The Indian electorate gave a decisive verdict in favour of the BJP and its allies. Latest trends showed that Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) won 291 seats and was leading in 12 seats. The Indian National Congress (INC) won 51 seats. The 2019 Lok Sabha polls for 542 seats were held from April 11 to May 19. A party or coalition needs 272 seats in parliament to form a government.

Overseas, Asian shares were mixed on Friday as investors remained worried over trade tensions between the United States and China.

In US, stocks declined as investors were concerned the trade war may last much longer than anticipated. Data showed that manufacturing activity in the US grew at its slowest pace since September 2009 this month.

In commodity markets, crude oil prices plunged on Thursday, as trade tensions dampened the demand outlook. Brent for July 2019 settlement tumbled $3.23 a barrel or 4.55% to settle at $67.76 a barrel.

Domestic shares ended lower on Thursday, 23 May 2019, as weak global cues triggered profit booking after a blockbuster rally in mid-morning trade. Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA's thumping lead in the general elections propelled the Sensex above the psychological 40,000 mark and the Nifty above the psychological 12,000 mark in intraday trade. Modi's landslide victory boosted shares as investors expect his government will continue to pursue economic reforms. The Sensex fell 298.82 points or 0.76% to settle at 38,811.39. The Nifty 50 index fell 80.85 points or 0.69% to settle at 11,657.05.

Election results may trigger volatility23-May-2019 (08:20)

Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could rise 19 points at the opening bell. Investors are awaiting results of Lok Sabha polls scheduled to be announced today, 23 May 2019.

Most exit polls forecast a majority for the ruling BJP-led NDA in Lok Sabha polls. The 2019 polls, held from April 11 to May 19, will decide which party presides over the 17th Lok Sabha. Elections were held for 542 seats. A party or coalition needs 272 seats in parliament to form a government.

Overseas, Asian stocks fell on Thursday with the unfolding deterioration in Sino-US relations again giving investors little reason for cheer.

US stocks fell on Wednesday with the release of the minutes from the Federal Reserve's most recent policy meeting doing little to perk up equities.

Back home, key indices settled with modest gains yesterday, 22 May 2019 after a volatile session of trade. The Sensex settled above the psychological 39,000 mark after falling below that level in intraday trade.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 965.02 crore yesterday, 22 May 2019, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 157.75 crore yesterday, 22 May 2019, as per provisional data.

Among corporate news, HDFC Bank said that its board approved sub-division of one equity share of face value of Rs 2 each to two equity shares of face value of Re 1 each. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 22 May 2019.

Wipro announced that it has developed a blockchain-based payment solution for Travacoin, a company specializing in an eponymous digital payment solution. Travacoin is a digital payment system which enables airlines to refund and compensate passengers in a timely manner when a disruption occurs. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 22 May 2019.

Market may open in green22-May-2019 (08:24)

Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could rise 12 points at the opening bell.

Overseas, most Asian stocks were trading higher Wednesday on relief over Washington's temporary relaxation of curbs against China's Huawei Technologies.

In US, shares of technology companies helped lift Wall Street on Tuesday after the United States temporarily eased curbs on China's Huawei Technologies Co, alleviating investor concerns about pressure on future corporate results in the sector.

Back home, domestic stocks dropped in volatile session of trade yesterday, 21 May 2019 led by slide in HDFC Bank, Infosys and ICICI Bank. However, gains in index heavyweight Reliance Industries cushioned losses. The Sensex and the Nifty reversed direction after scaling record high in intraday trade. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, lost 382.87 points or 0.97% at 38,969.80. The Nifty 50 index lost 119.15 points or 1.01% at 11,709.10.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 1185.44 crore yesterday, 21 May 2019, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 1090.32 crore yesterday, 21 May 2019, as per provisional data.

Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could rise 9 points at the opening bell.

Overseas, most Asian shares were trading higher. US stocks fell on Monday as the White House's restrictions on Chinese telecoms equipment maker Huawei Technologies Co weighed on the technology sector and raised concerns that the move would further inflame trade tensions between the United States and China.

Back home, domestic stocks logged strong gains on first trading day of the week yesterday, 20 May 2019. The Sensex and the Nifty, both, settled at record high. Sentiment was boosted after most exit polls forecast a majority for the ruling BJP-led NDA in Lok Sabha polls. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, surged 1,421.90 points or 3.75% at 39,352.67, a record closing high. The Nifty 50 index surged 421.10 points or 3.69% at 11,828.25, a record closing high.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 1734.45 crore yesterday, 20 May 2019, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 542.71 crore yesterday, 20 May 2019, as per provisional data.

A rally on the cards 20-May-2019 (08:21)

Local stocks are likely to open on a strong note after most exit polls forecast a majority for the ruling BJP-led NDA in Lok Sabha polls. Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could surge 265 points at the opening bell.

Most exit polls forecast a majority for the ruling BJP-led NDA in Lok Sabha polls with varying numbers. The poll of polls puts NDA safely above the majority mark at 312, while UPA is likely to score 110 seats and others will have to do with 98. The poll of polls is an average of various exit polls. An election exit poll is a poll among voters conducted immediately after they leave their polling stations. It is conducted by a number of organisations and is considered an indicator to which party might form the next government.

Elections to 542 seats of the 543-member Lok Sabha ended Sunday, 19 May 2019. The Election Commission has deferred election for Vellore in Tamil Nadu over allegations of misuse of money power. The counting of votes is slated for May 23.

Overseas, Asian stocks were trading mixed on Monday as investors tried to catch their breath following another week of escalating trade tensions between the United States and China. Wall Street ended lower on Friday as continuing trade tensions pulled industrial and tech shares down.

Back home, the market ended with sharp gains on Friday, supported by strength in private banks and auto shares. The Sensex rose 537.29 points or 1.44% to settle at 37,930.77, its highest closing level since 7 May 2019. The Nifty 50 index rose 150.05 points or 1.33% to settle at 11,407.15, its highest closing level since 7 May 2019.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 1057.82 crore on Friday, 17 May 2019, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 1809.76 crore on Friday, 17 May 2019, as per provisional data.

Benchmarks may see flat opening 17-May-2019 (08:07)

Market is seen opening almost flat tracking mixed leads from other Asian markets. Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could fall 5.50 points at the opening bell.

Overseas, Asian shares were mixed on Friday, following overnight gains on Wall Street after strong earnings and economic data helped quell some of the fears surrounding the ongoing US-China trade war.

US stocks rose on Thursday after strong earnings from Walmart and Cisco Systems while banks climbed on higher rates. On the data front, the Commerce Department said housing starts rose by 5.7% in April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.235 million. Weekly jobless claims, meanwhile, fell to 212,000 last week. Further, the Philadelphia Fed manufacturing index in May rose to a four-month high of 16.6 after registering 8.5 in April. Any reading above zero indicates improving conditions.

Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could rise 22 points at the opening bell.

Overseas, Asian shares were mixed, following reports that US President Donald Trump plans to postpone auto tariffs by up to six months. Trade tensions, however, continued to weigh on investor sentiment as Trump declared a national emergency to protect US computer networks from foreign adversaries. He signed an executive order which effectively bars US companies from using foreign telecoms believed to pose national security risks.

China reported surprisingly weaker growth in retail sales for April on Wednesday. Overall retail sales in April rose 7.2% from a year earlier, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed.

US stocks closed higher on Wednesday after reports of delay in auto tariffs helped calm investors concern. US retail sales fell 0.2% in April, the Commerce Department said Wednesday.

Key benchmark indices ended with modest losses yesterday, 15 May 2019, as stocks dropped in late trade after hovering in positive terrain for most part of the session. Investors continued to be plagued by doubts surrounding slowing global growth and US-China trade relations. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, fell 203.65 points or 0.55% to 37,114.88. The Nifty 50 index fell 65.05 points or 0.58% to 11,157.

On the data front, India's overall exports (merchandise and services combined) in April 2019 is estimated to be $44.06 billion, exhibiting a positive growth of 1.34% over the April 2018. Overall imports in April 2019 is estimated to be $52.83 billion, exhibiting a positive growth of 4.53% over April 2018. Taking merchandise and services together, overall trade deficit for April 2019 is estimated at $8.78 billion as compared to $7.07 billion in April 2018, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry said in a statement yesterday, 15 May 2019.

India's merchandise exports in April 2019 were $26.07 billion, as compared to $25.91 billion in April 2018, exhibiting a positive growth of 0.64%. In Rupee terms, exports were Rs 1,81,021.34 crore in April 2019, as compared to Rs 1,70,052.96 crore in April 2018, registering a positive growth of 6.45%. Merchandise imports in April 2019 were $41.40 billion (Rs 2,87,432.93 crore), which was 4.48% higher in dollar terms and 10.52% higher in Rupee terms over imports of $39.63 billion (Rs 2,60,084.67 crore) in April 2018. The merchandise trade deficit for April 2019 was estimated at $15.33 billion as against the deficit of $13.72 billion in April 2018.

Market may see flat opening 15-May-2019 (08:04)

Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could rise 3 points at the opening bell.

Meanwhile, growth in China's industrial output for April increased 5.4% year-on-year from a 4-1/2 year high in March.

US stocks advanced on Tuesday, paring heavy losses sparked by a raging US-China trade war over the past week. US President Donald Trump on Tuesday called the escalating dispute with China a little squabble but said Washington was still considering extending tariffs to another $300 billion worth of Chinese merchandise.

Domestic stocks ended with modest gains yesterday, 14 May 2019, snapping a nine-day losing streak. Volatility was high with the Sensex maintaining the psychological 37,000 level after falling below that level in intraday trade. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, rose 227.71 points or 0.61% to 37,318.53. The Nifty 50 index rose 73.85 points or 0.66% to 11,222.05.

Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon is likely to make its onset over the Indian coast around 4 June 2019, private weather forecasting agency Skymet said on Tuesday. The 4 June prediction comes with an error margin of two days.

Shares may extend recent losses14-May-2019 (08:01)

Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could fall 40.50 points at the opening bell due to ongoing weakness in global shares.

On the economic front, the all-India general Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rose to 2.92% in April 2019, compared with 2.86% in March 2019. The inflation based on CPI was 4.58% in April 2018. The Central Statistics Office (CSO) released the data after market hours yesterday, 13 May 2019.

Overseas, most Asian shares declined Tuesday following sharp decline in US stocks overnight as the trade war between China and the United States escalated.

China announced on Monday that it will raise tariffs on $60 billion worth of US goods, beginning on 1 June 2019. The goods targeted include a broad range of agricultural products. Last week, US President Donald Trump raised duties on $200 billion in Chinese goods to 25% from 10%.

US Trade Representative's office reportedly said it planned to hold a public hearing next month on the possibility of imposing duties of up to 25% on a further $300 billion worth of imports from China.

In US, stocks closed sharply lower Monday, as investors weighed an escalating tariff fight that could pose risks to the US, Chinese and global economies.

Domestic stocks dropped sharply on Monday, 13 May 2019, on negative global stocks. Domestic stocks registered losses for ninth straight trading session. Investors are concerned about global economic growth after trade negotiations between the US and China appeared at a deadlock. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, lost 372.17 points or 0.99% to 37,090.82. The Nifty 50 index fell 130.70 points or 1.16% to 11,148.20.

Market may open lower on negative global cues13-May-2019 (08:06)

Market is seen opening lower, tracking negative leads from Asian markets. Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could fall 32 points at the opening bell.

India's industrial production (base year 2011-12=100) declined 0.1% in March 2019, while snapping growth for last 21 straight months. The industrial production growth for February 2019 has been retained unchanged at 0.1% as reported provisionally. The data was announced after market hours on Friday, 10 May 2019.

Overseas, US stock futures tumbled and Asian shares slipped on Monday on growing uncertainty over whether the United States and China will be able to end their escalating trade war. Markets in Hong Kong are closed on Monday for a holiday.

Trading in US index futures indicated that the Dow Jones Industrial Average could fall 246.50 points at the opening bell today, 13 May 2019.

Trade talks between US and Chinese negotiators broke up on Friday without a trade agreement. The US hiked tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods. China has vowed to retaliate, without giving details.

In US, stocks staged a massive reversal on Friday after President Donald Trump said conversations with China over trade will continue and his relationship with President Xi Jinping remains strong. The president also noted that the trade talks with China were candid and constructive. Trump said the new tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods may or may not be removed in the future.

Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could fall 16 points at the opening bell. Larsen & Toubro and State Bank of India will declare January-March 2019 quarterly earnings today, 10 May 2019.

Overseas, Asian stocks edged higher on Friday as investors looked to whether negotiators from USA-China can clinch a deal to avert the hike.

Wall Street's main indexes fell on Thursday ahead of critical trade negotiations between the United States and China, though they pared losses significantly after US President Donald Trump said reaching a deal this week was possible.

Top US and Chinese trade negotiators concluded the first of two days of talks on Thursday to rescue a trade deal that is close to collapsing as Washington prepares to go ahead with plans to hike tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of goods imported from China.

Back home, key equity benchmarks declined for seventh straight trading session, dragged by index heavyweight Reliance Industries. Negative global stocks weighed on the sentiment amid concerns that the US and China would struggle to reach an agreement. The Sensex fell 230.22 points or 0.61% to settle at 37,558.91, its lowest closing level since 12 March 2019. The Nifty 50 index fell 57.65 points or 0.51% to settle at 11,301.80, its lowest closing level since 12 March 2019.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 655.36 crore yesterday, 9 May 2019, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 677.91 crore yesterday, 9 May 2019, as per provisional data.

The United States will raise tariffs from 10% to 25% on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports effective May 10, as per reports. The US Trade Representative's office will establish a process to seek exclusions for certain products from additional tariffs.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 701.50 crore yesterday, 8 May 2019, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 232.95 crore yesterday, 8 May 2019, as per provisional data.

Market may open lower08-May-2019 (08:34)

Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could fall 51 points at the opening bell. Neogen Chemicals debuts on the secondary equity market today, 8 May 2019.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 645.08 crore yesterday, 7 May 2019, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 818.84 crore yesterday, 7 May 2019, as per provisional data.

Among corporate news, on a consolidated basis, Vedanta's net profit fell 46% to Rs 2,615 crore on 15% decline in net sales to Rs 23,092 crore in Q4 March 2019 over Q4 March 2018. The result was announced after market hours yesterday, 7 May 2019.

Market may open in positive zone07-May-2019 (08:31)

Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could rise 32 points at the opening bell.

Overseas, Asian stocks were mixed Tuesday amid renewed tensions between the U.S. and China after Washington said tariffs on Chinese goods will rise on Friday. US stocks closed on Monday with tepid losses in the three major indexes, with much of their striking slumps earlier gradually eroded throughout the day.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 948.98 crore yesterday, 6 May 2019, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 89.89 crore yesterday, 6 May 2019, as per provisional data.

Among corporate news, HDFC Bank said that its board will consider stock split on 22 May 2019. The board will mull a proposal to split one equity share of face value of Rs 2 each into two equity shares of face value of Re 1 each. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 6 May 2019.

On a consolidated basis, Bharti Airtel's net profit rose 29.31% to Rs 107.20 crore on 6.23% increase in net sales to Rs 20,602.20 crore in Q4 March 2019 over Q4 March 2018. The result was announced after market hours yesterday, 6 May 2019.

ICICI Bank's net profit fell 4.99% to Rs 969.06 crore on 4.87% increase in total income to Rs 20,913.82 crore in Q4 March 2019 over Q4 March 2018. The result was announced after market hours yesterday, 6 May 2019.

On the political front, the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha polls 2019 is underway today, 6 May 2019, with 51 Lok Sabha constituencies from 7 different states going to vote. The 2019 Indian general election, which is scheduled to be held in seven phases, kicked off on 11 April 2019. It will conclude on 19 May 2019. The counting of votes will be conducted on 23 May 2019, and on the same day the results will be declared.

Overseas, Asian stocks were trading sharply lower as trade negotiations between China and the United States deteriorated suddenly. US President Donald Trump announced Sunday that tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods will increase next week to 25% from 10%. He also reportedly threatened that the U.S. will impose 25% tariffs on another $325 billion of Chinese goods.

US stocks rose in a broad-based rally on Friday as stronger-than-expected job growth in April coupled with muted wage gains left investors upbeat about the outlook for the economy and interest rates. The Nasdaq registered a record high close, while the S&P 500 ended just shy of a record high finish.

Back home, volatile trading session ended with minor losses on Friday, 3 May 2019. Weakness in IT shares put pressure on bourses, while gains in financial shares supported the indices at lower levels. The Sensex fell 18.17 points or 0.05% to settle at 38,963.26. The Nifty 50 index fell 12.50 points or 0.11% to settle at 11,712.25.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 400.68 crore on Friday, 3 May 2019, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 57.07 crore on Friday, 3 May 2019, as per provisional data.

Among corporate news, Net profit of Hindustan Unilever (HUL) rose 13.84% to Rs 1538 crore on 8.95% rise in net sales to Rs 9809 crore in Q4 March 2019 over Q4 March 2018. The result was announced after market hours on Friday, 3 May 2019.

Yes Bank announced that ratings agency ICRA has downgraded long-term ratings of the bank with a Negative outlook. Ratings were removed from 'Watch with Negative Implications'. The announcement was made on Saturday, 4 May 2019.

Shares may extend losses03-May-2019 (08:07)

Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could fall 7.50 points at the opening bell on negative global cues.

Overseas, most Asian shares slipped following losses in US shares overnight. Markets in Japan and China are closed for holidays. Investors await US nonfarm payrolls set to be released later on Friday.

In US, stocks ended lower on Thursday, marking a second straight loss for the S&P and Dow, as equity investors hopeful of further policy easing remain disappointed with the Federal Reserve's Wednesday meeting.

Key equity indices ended the volatile trading session with modest losses on Thursday, 2 May 2019, amid lack of any fresh triggers to support buying. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, fell 50.12 points or 0.13% to 38,981.43. The Nifty 50 index fell 23.40 points or 0.20% to 11,724.75.

On the economic front, India's unemployment rate in April rose to 7.6%, the highest since October 2016, and up from 6.71% in March, according to data compiled by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) released late on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, India's economy slowed down slightly in the last fiscal due to declining growth in private consumption, slow increase in fixed investment and muted exports though it is still fastest growing major economy, said the Finance Ministry's monthly report. It further said there is slowdown of growth in agriculture and sustained growth in industry as well as some challenges.

Shares may slide at opening bell02-May-2019 (07:57)

Market is seen opening lower tracking mixed leads from Asian markets and overnight decline on the Wall Street. Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could fall 59.50 points at the opening bell.

Overseas, Asian shares were mixed on Thursday with two major centres - Japan and China - shut for holidays. Trading in Japan will resume next Tuesday while China will be back in action on Monday.

US stocks fell on Wednesday after Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell acknowledged a slowdown in business and household spending, but described low inflation as transitory and denied there was a strong case to expect an interest-rate cut in the near term.

The US Federal Reserve on Wednesday kept its benchmark interest rate in a range of 2.25% to 2.5%. Senior officials sounded more upbeat about the economy after a slow start in early 2019 and pointed to a recent decline in inflation as reasons to stand pat.

On the US-China trade front, a trade deal between the two economic powerhouses could reportedly be announced by next Friday.

Among the US economic data, payroll firm ADP released its estimate of private-sector job growth in April, showing the US economy added 275,000 new jobs. Markit's manufacturing purchasing managers index for April came in at 52.6, a slight uptick from the near two-year low seen last month. The more closely watched Institute for Supply Management manufacturing index came in at 52.8%, below the March reading of 55.3%. The Commerce Department said construction spending fell by 0.9% in March, compared with February.

Key indices ended with small losses after a volatile trading session on 30 April 2019. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, fell 35.78 points or 0.09% to 39,031.55. The Nifty 50 index fell 6.50 points or 0.06% to 11,748.15.

Domestic financial market were closed on Wednesday, 1 May 2019, on account of Maharashtra Day.

On the economic front, the total gross GST revenue collected in the month of April 2019 is Rs 1,13,865 crore of which CGST is Rs 21,163 crore, SGST is Rs 28,801 crore, IGST is Rs 54,733 crore (including Rs 23,289 crore collected on imports) and Cess is Rs 9,168 crore (including Rs 1,053 crore collected on imports). The total number of GSTR 3B Returns filed for the month of March up to 30th April 2019 is 72.13 lakh.

The government has settled Rs 20,370 crore to CGST and Rs 15,975 crore to SGST from IGST as regular settlement. Further, Rs 12,000 crore has been settled from the balance IGST available with the Centre on provisional basis in the ratio of 50:50 between Centre and States. The total revenue earned by Central Government and the State Governments after regular and provisional settlement in the month of April, 2019 is Rs 47,533 crore for CGST and Rs 50,776 crore for the SGST.

The revenue in April 2018 was Rs 1,03,459 crore and the revenue during April 2019 is a growth of 10.05% over the revenue in the same month last year. The revenue in April, 2019 is 16.05% higher than the monthly average of GST revenue in FY 2018-19 (Rs 98,114 crore).

Shares may witness selling 30-Apr-2019 (08:09)

Market is seen opening lower tracking negative leads from other Asian markets.

Overseas, most Asian shares declined as China's manufacturing sector grew slower than expected in April, according to data released on Tuesday. Meanwhile, trade negotiations between the US and China are set to resume in Beijing later in the day.

The Caixin/Markit factory Purchasing Managers' Index for April was 50.2. The reading for March was 50.8. The private PMI survey came after China's National Bureau of Statistics released official manufacturing PMI for April, which came in at 50.1. PMI readings above 50 indicate expansion, while those below that signal contraction.

In US, all three major stock indices ended higher on Monday as the latest data showed softer core inflation in March while consumer spending jumped.

US consumer spending rose 0.9% in March from the prior month after a 0.1% February increase, according to a Commerce Department report Monday. The closely followed core PCE inflation was flat in March, knocking the yearly rate down to 1.6% from 1.7%. Personal incomes, meanwhile, increased 0.1% in March.

In US economic data, orders for durable goods rose by 2.7% in March, the largest one-month increase since last summer, the Commerce Department said. A key measure of business investment, core durable orders, rose 1.3% in March, the third straight monthly increase.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 3785.73 crore yesterday, 25 April 2019 as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 4069.98 crore yesterday, 25 April 2019, as per provisional data.

Among corporate news, Axis Bank reported net profit of Rs 1505.06 crore in Q4 March 2019 compared with net loss of Rs 2188.74 Q4 March 2018. Total income rose 25.86% to Rs 18324.31 crore in Q4 March 2019 over Q4 March 2018. The result was announced after market hours yesterday, 25 April 2019.

On a consolidated basis, Tata Steel's net profit fell 84.37% to Rs 2,295.25 crore on 23.76% increase in net sales to Rs 41,186.44 crore in Q4 March 2019 over Q4 March 2018. The result was announced after market hours yesterday, 25 April 2019.

Tata Steel's board considered and approved a merger of Bamnipal Steel and Tata Steel BSL (formerly Bhushan Steel) into the company by way of a composite scheme of amalgamation and have recommended a merger ratio of 1 equity share of 10/- each fully paid up of the company for every 15 equity shares of each fully paid up held by the public shareholders of Tata Steel BSL. As part of the scheme, the equity shares held by Bamnipal Steel and the preference shares held by the company in Tata Steel BSL shall stand cancelled. The equity shares held by the company in Bamnipal Steel shall also stand cancelled. The merger is subject to shareholders and other regulatory approvals.

Trading could be volatile as traders roll over positions in the F&O segment from the near month April 2019 series to May 2019 series. The April 2019 F&O contracts expire today, 25 April 2019.

Overseas, Asian shares were trading lower on Thursday as a surprise deterioration in German business morale rekindled fears of slowing global growth. US stocks slipped on Wednesday after ending the previous session with a record as investors waited for more earnings reports.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 974.88 crore yesterday, 24 April 2019 as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 657.06 crore yesterday, 24 April 2019, as per provisional data.

Among corporate news, State Bank of India (SBI) announced that the executive committee of the central board in its meeting held on 24th April 2019 has approved long term fund raising in single/multiple tranches upto $2.5 billion, through a public offer and/or private placement of senior unsecured notes in US Dollar or any other convertible currency during FY 2019-2020. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 24 April 2019.

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